The Friday killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani by an American drone has thrown the Middle East into chaos. Philip Ewing, the former national security editor for National Public Radio (NPR) and currently an election security editor on the NPR Washington Desk, sorts out some of the possible short term and long term consequences of this action. Even after Iranian officials have pledged “revenge” for the death of their national hero, United States President Donald Trump continues to threaten Iran with more violence and destruction claiming the United States will “take-out” 52 important targets in Iran – including cultural icons. The U.S. is beefing up its military presence in the region by sending thousands more troops and B-52 bombers nearby. Meanwhile, while the war of words escalates and preparations for possible conflicts solidify, the parliament in Iraq has passed a resolution demanding that America withdraw its troops from the country. Mixed messages have been issued by the Pentagon whether the United States will comply. As a result of the Iraq’s actions, President Trump has vowed to place crippling economic sanctions on the country – an American ally. However, the details of these sanctions are currently unknown, according to Ewing. All of this preparation for conflict may be impetus for Iran and the United States to meet at the bargaining table, says Ewing. However, the prospects of that happening soon are nebulous. In the short-term, the Middle East situation remains muddled and extremely dangerous.